Session Abstract
Always Human: Designing Teaching Futures in the Age of AI
It can feel like the rapid advancement of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) calls for a complete reworking of what and how instructors teach, a feeling compounded by pressures to “meet the moment—and quickly!” But this sense of urgency should not short-circuit best practices for education. This plenary session draws on research across the curriculum to showcase frameworks and strategies where instructors drive the design of classroom, program, and institutional (re)visions in this time of technological transition. The presenters, co-facilitators of Miami University’s “AI in the Majors” initiative, advocate for building from instructors’ collective wisdom, professional expertise, and field practices to craft the futures we want for our students and ourselves as we all adapt to teaching and learning with and about AI.
Dr. Heidi Mckee
Dr. Heidi McKee is Professor of Professional Writing and Provost AI Fellow at Miami University. For 30+ years her teaching and research have focused on integrating digital technologies in writing and in teaching and learning, including focusing on AI since 2017. A frequent guest speaker and workshop facilitator, she has authored or edited five books and 40+ chapters and articles, including a national award-winning article on AI and writing co-authored with undergraduates. As a Provost AI Fellow at Miami, she consults with faculty across the disciplines, co-facilitating the AI in the Majors initiative that centers instructor experience and expertise for curricular and pedagogical innovation.
Dennis Cheatham
Dennis Cheatham is Associate Professor of Communication Design in the Department of Art and a Provost AI Fellow at Miami University. He has served as a Faculty Teaching Associate in Miami’s Center for Teaching Excellence and co-facilitated Miami’s SoTL-intensive Faculty Learning Community, Advancing Teaching Scholars. His research bridges social science, creativity, and technology to design meaningful experiences through products, services, and systems. Since 2023, he has integrated Generative AI into his courses and spent 1.5 years actively coding with AI tools. He has presented his research on AI’s impact on education and professional practice at international conferences and symposia.
